Pocketbook
Pocketbook, founded in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2007 and then shifted its headquarters to Switzerland in 2012, makes a wide range of eReaders based on E Ink technology. There are color ones, big ones, little ones, waterproof ones, and touchscreen ones. Pocketbook eReaders support a number of different eReader formats so you’re not tied to Amazon for your books. And the color ones are big with comic book fans. The best part, Pocketbook doesn’t seem to collect personal information on users. Take that Amazon.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
What’s this?!? Pocketbook's ebook privacy policy says they do not collect any personal identity information on their users. What year is this, 1921? But seriously, there’s a company out there that doesn’t collect your personal information, in 2023? Which means they can’t share it either, because they don’t collect it. Amazing.
Pocketbook does say they collect some login information (like time zone and operating system) and technical and usage data (like your choice of font options and language settings) if you connect your eReader to WiFi. And they say they use that usage data to give you personal recommendations. All that seems ok though.
And we should note that Pocketbook does make a Pocketbook reader app that lets you read ebooks on your phone. It has it's own privacy policy that says they can collect a tiny little bit of personal information on you (mostly, your email address) and use it for things like making book recommendations. Again, none of this worries us as Pocketbook collects so little data and only uses it to provide you the service. Go Pocketbook!
What's the worst that could go wrong with Pocketbook? Well, there really doesn’t seem like too much could go wrong with these eReaders. Although, we suppose you might get addicted to reading comic books. Go for it, we say!
Tips to protect yourself
- If as a parent or guardian you believe that Pocketbook has in its database the personal information of a child under the age of 16, you can contact [email protected], and they will remove the information from the records.
- Chose a strong password! You may use a password control tool like 1Password, KeePass etc
- Use your device privacy controls to limit access to your personal information via app (do not give access to your camera, microphone, images, location unless necessary)
- Keep your app regularly updated
- Limit ad tracking via your device (eg on iPhone go to Privacy -> Advertising -> Limit ad tracking) and biggest ad networks (for Google, go to Google account and turn off ad personalization)
- Request your data be deleted once you stop using the app. Simply deleting an app from your device usually does not erase your personal data.
- When starting a sign-up, do not agree to tracking of your data if possible.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: No
App: No
Tracks location
Device: Yes
App: No
What can be used to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third-party account
Can’t Determine
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Only if you connect your e-reader to WiFi, non identified information can be collected: - Your login data, time zone setting and location, browser plug-in types and versions, operating system and platform and other technology on the devices you use to access this website. - Usage Data: how you use your book library, information concerning which buttons on the e-reader you click, which you do not, how often do you use buttons, turning on/ off the device, setting font options, changing the interface language, sending archive, changing the library settings, setting the read mode. We collect these information to make our Services better for the end-customers. Understanding of your usage preference give us the opportunity to develop and produce better Readers, which will have higher reliability, usability, compressed functionality and extremely easy startup. Your email address if you download and use the Pocketbook reader app.
Body related
Social
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
No known incidents in the last 3 years.
Child Privacy Information
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Pocketbook has fairly easy to read privacy policies. The problem is, they also have three different privacy policies scattered about that are a bit hard to decipher which applies to what. We think we got it figured out, but it would be nice they would make that a bit easier on folks by having one privacy hub page.
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Strong password
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Privacy policy
Dive Deeper
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With an Upgraded Color E Ink Screen, This Could Be the Perfect E-Reader for Comic Book FansGizmodo
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